'The Hunger Games' Movie: Jennifer Lawrence Close to Playing Katniss

Is it finally over? Does Gary Ross finally have his leading lady? According to Variety, the role of Katniss Everdeen is just inches away from being cast. Who is it? Not Chloe Moretz, not Hailee Steinfeld, but Jennifer Lawrence. The source claims she's "close to getting an offer." No, this isn't a sure thing, but it's as close to it as you can get.

Now that the whole casting debacle is just about over, the battle will surge on via this question: Is Lawrence right for the role? Oddly enough, Lawrence is technically too old to play Katniss whereas her top competition was too young; Moretz and Steinfeld are just 14 while Lawrence is 20. Katniss, the young girl fighting in the Hunger Games on behalf of District 12, is 16. What's another four years in Hollywood, right? Well, yes, but should 'The Hunger Games' spawn a franchise, that's where we might run into some trouble.

Suzanne Collins' three-book series spans three years. Whereas a young girl will develop quite a bit from the age of 16 to 18, Lawrence is unlikely to change much from 20 to 22. Then again, be honest, how many of you 'Hunger Games' fans really read the three books imagining the protagonist's age at all?

Then there's the issue of going with a known actress versus a newcomer. While there was something nice about the idea of kicking off this franchise with some fresh faces and watching them grow, picking up someone like Lawrence is far more of a sure thing, especially now that she's an Oscar nominee. Not only is she bound to attract attention with her new clout, but she's nearly a guarantee in terms of performance. Not only has she proven she's able to handle weighty material through 'Winter's Bone' and even 'The Burning Plain' to a point, but soon enough she'll show off her action skills as Mystique in 'X-Men: First Class.'

Again, Lionsgate did not officially choose Lawrence for the role, but it is looking as though the deal might be solidified in the near future. Should that happen, it'll certainly effect the entire look of this film in terms of the other major roles. Acting chops aside, while Breslin and Alex Pettyfer might not make much sense, Pettyfer and Lawrence certainly could. Then again, so could Lawrence and any other 20-something pretty boy.

We'll keep you posted on any further 'Hunger Games' casting developments.